Continuous form envelope



Feb. l0, 1970 w. H. GENDRON 3,494,537

CONTINUOUS FORM ENVELOPE oooIoo bib/@wow I NVENTOR.

United States Patent O 3,494,537 CGNTINUOUS FORM ENVELOPE v Wilfred H. Gendron, Wilbraham, Mass., assigner to United States Envelope Company, Springfield, Mass., a corporation of Maine Filed Apr. 19, 1968, Ser. No. 727,134 Int. Cl. B65d 27/10 U.S. Cl. 229-69 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Continuous form envelope assemblies include a plurality of individual envelopes each formed from a unitary blank and having front, bottom and sealing panels. Tabs integrally connected to one or more of the various panels project outwardly from corners of each envelope at opposite ends thereof and are attached to carrier strips which retain the envelopes in series-connected relation. Embodiments are shown wherein tabs cooperate with connecting strips to retain envelopes in series-connected relation with the sealing panels thereof in closed position.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates in general to continuous form stationery and deals more particularly with improved continuous form or series-connected envelope assemblies. Envelopes of this general type are particularly adapted to be successively automatically or semi-automatically feed through a typewriter, printing machine or the like and readily separated each from the other after addresses or other messages have been imprinted thereon.

The general aim of the present invention is to provide improved continuous form assemblies of conventional envelopes adapted for production on high speed envelope making machinery.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION In accordance with lthe present invention envelope assemblies are provided wherein individual envelopes formed from unitary blanks have integral tabs variously connected thereto which cooperate with carrier strips to retain the envelopes in series-connected relation. Tabs are Iprovided which cooperate with carrier strips to retain envelopes in series-connected relation with the sealing panels thereof in closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a rear view of a continuous form envelope assembly embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary rear view of another continuous form envelope assembly embodying the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional View taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but sh-ows still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5- of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 2 but shows yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is generally similar to FIG. 2 but shows a still further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 9 9 of FIG. 8.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In accordance with the present invention continuous form envelope assemblies comprise a plurality of individ- 3,494,537 Patented Feb. l0, 1970 ual envelopes retained in series-connected relation by a pair of carrier strips and adapted to be readily separated therefrom. Each envelope includes a front panel and bottom and sealing panels connected to the front panel along generally parallel fold lines. Tabs extend outwardly from Opposite ends of at least one of the panels of each envelope proximate the fold lines for attaching the envelope to the carrier strips. Various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and differ each from the other in the arrangement of the tabs relative to the aforesaid panels and in the manner in which the tabs cooperate with the carrier strips. However, it will be noted that all of the various illustrated envelopes are or may be substantially identical in outward appearance after having been separated from the carrier strips and sealed.

Referring now to the drawing and particularly, to FIG. 1 a continuous form envelope assembly indicated generally at 10 comprises a plurality of individual envelopes 12, 12 retained in longitudinally spaced series relation by a pair of carrier strips 14, 14. A typical envelope 12 has a front panel 16 and a bottom panel 18 connected to the front panel along a lower fold line 20 and folded inwardly therealong or toward the center of the front panel. A sealing panel 22 connected to the front panel along an upper fold line 24 is foldable inwardly therealong to a closed position, in which position it forms a closure for the mouth of the envelope, as will be hereinafter evident. Preferably, the envelope 12 further includes side panels 26, 26 each connected to the front panel 16 along a respectively associated side fold line 28 and folded inwardly therealong. The side panels 26, 26 of each envelope 12 are adhesively joined to the bottom panel 18 and cooperate therewith to form the rear panel of the envelope the mouth of which opens toward the upper fold line 24. It will be noted that a substantial portion of the envelope rear panel is formed by side panels 26, 26.

Upper and lower tabs respectively generally indicated at 30 and 32 extend laterally outwardly from each end of the envelope 12 for attaching it to an associated carrier strip 14. Each upper tab 30 is cut or otherwise separated from an associated side panel 26 before the side panel is folded inwardly and extends outwardly from the front panel 16 beyond an associated side fold line'28 proximate the upper fold line 24. Preferably each tab 30 is separated from its associated side panel 26 along a slit 34 cut in the side panel and which extends outwardly from an associated fold line 28. Thus each tab 30 is solely connected to the front panel 16. The lower tabs 32, 32 are formed in a like manner, each tab 32 being cut or separated from associated side panel 26 along a slit 36. The tabs 32, 32 are solely connected to the front panel 16 and extend outwardly therefrom proximate the lower fold line 20.

The tabs 30, 30 and 32, 32 are preferably adhesively attached to the carrier strips 14, 14 to retain the envelopes in series-connected relation. Marginal portions of the bottom panel 18 and the sealing panel 22 in its closed position overlie associated portions of the side panels 26, 26 and cover the cutout portions of the side panels from which the upper and lower tabs are formed so that when the envelope is in a sealed condition the rear surface thereof is substantially irnperforate.

Longitudinally extending lines of weakening or perforation 38, 38 extend across each tab generally adjacent the ends of the envelope 12 and in alignment with the fold lines 28, 28 to enable the envelope to be readily separated therealong from the tabs 30, 30 and 32, 32 and the carrier strips 14, 14. rIlhe envelope assembly 10 is preferably adapted to the successively automatically or semi-automatically fed through a typewriter printing machine or the like and for this purpose a longitudinal series of spaced feed apertures 40, 40 are formed in each of the carrier strips 14, 14 for engagement with -a feed mechanism (not shown), as for example a mechanism of the pin-Wheel type.

The envelopes of the various other embodiments hereinafter described are substantially identical in most respects to the envelopes 12, 12 previously described, but differ therefrom in tab construction and arrangement. Portions of the envelope assemblies hereinafter described which are substantially identical to corresponding portions of the assembly are identied by the same reference numerals used in the description of the assembly 10 but include a letter suffix and will not be hereinafter further described.

4Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, another envelope assembly embodying the invention and indicated generally at 10a comprises a plurality of individual envelopes 12a, 12a retained in series-connected relation by carrier strips 14a, 14a. The envelope 12a includes upper tabs 42, 42 and lower tabs 44, 44 for connected with the carrier strips. Considering rst, typical upper tab 42, this tab includes a portion 43 cut from a side panel 26a along a slit 34a and connected to and extending outwardly from the front panel 16a in the manner generally aforedescribed. However, the tab 42 also includes an additional portion 46 formed by the outwardly extension of the sealing panel 22a. The tab portion 46 extends outwardly beyond a side fold line 28a and is connected to the tab portion 43 along the upper fold line 24a. Each lower tab 44 is made in substantially the same manner and includes a portion 48 cut from a side panel 26a and extending outwardly from the front panel 16a. An additional tab portion 50 extends outwardly from the bottom panel 18a and is connected to the tab portion 48 along the lower fold line 20a. The tabs 42, 42 and 44, 44 are preferably connected to the carrier strip 14a by spots of adhesive 52, 52 as best shown in FIG. 3. Tabs formed n the latter manner provide somewhat stronger connection between the envelopes and their associated carrier strips than do the tabs 30, 30 and 32, 32 of the previously described embodiment.

A further embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 10b in FIGS. 4 and 5 and includes a plurality of the individual envelopes 12b, 12b substantially identical to the envelopes 12a, 12a previously described. Each envelope 12b also includes upper and lower tabs respectively indicated at 42 and 44. However, the assem'bly 10by differs from the assembly 10a in the construction and arrangement of its carrier strips. Specically, each carrier strip generally indicated at 54 comprises a pair of parallel tapes 56, 56l preferably adhesively joined in face-to-face relation each to the other with the tabs `42 and 44, disposed therebetween. It will be apparent that when the tapes 56, 56 are joined to the tabs in the illustrated manner the tapes will cooperate with the tabs both to retain the envelopes 12b, 12b in series-connected relation and to retain each sealing panel 22b in its closed position until each envelope 12b is separated from its tabs and carrier strips.

A still further embodiment of the invention is indicated at 10c in FIGS. 6` and 7 and includes an upper tab 58 which has a portion 60 cut from a side panel 26C and extending outwardly from the front panel 16e in the manner generally aforedescribed. However, an additional tab portion 62 formed by the extension of the sealing ap outwardly beyond a side fold line 28e is connected to the tab portion 60 along the extension of the upper fold line 24C. The tab portion 62 is separated from the sealing panel 22e by a slit or cut 66 which extends from the upper fold line 34e and through the sealing panel so that the resulting tab 58 is connected solely to the front panel 16C. A lower tab 68 is formed in a like manner one portion 70 thereof comprising the extension of the front panel 16c and another portion 72 being formed by the extension of the bottom panel 18e. A slit 74 which extends from the lower fold line c and through the bottom panel 18C separates the tab portion 72 from the bottom panel so that the tab 68 is solely connected to the front panel 16C. The lower tab of one envelope 12e is adhesively attached to an associated carrier strip 14C and to an upper tab 58 on the next successive envelope 12C as best shown in FIG. 6. This overlapping tab arrangement serves to strengthen the assembly 10c in the area of attachment.

Still another envelope assembly embodying the invention is indicated at 10d in FIGS. 8 and 9. The assembly 10d includes envelopes 12d, 12d which have upper and lower tabs respectively indicated at 74 and 76. Each upper tab 74 is formed solely by the outwardly extension of the envelope sealing panel 22C whereas each lower tab 76 is formed solely by the outwardly extension of the bottom panel 18d. It will be evident that when the tabs 74, 74 and 76, 76 are connected to carrier strips 14d, 14d as shown in FIG. 9 the tabs cooperate with the carrier strip both to retain the envelopes in series-connected relation and to retain the sealing panel 22d in its closed position.

It should be evident from the foregoing description of the various embodiments that continuous form envelope assemblies may be made to include various combinations of upper and lower tab retained in series-connected relation by either single carrier strips or carrier strips including pairs of tapes joined in face-to-face relation in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, and such variations are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A continuous form envelope assembly comprising a series of individual envelopes each formed from a unitary blank having a plurality of panels connected together along fold lines and including a front panel, a sealing panel and a pair of opposing side panels, each of said side panels folded inwardly along an associated side fold line, said sealing panel being foldable inwardly along an upper fold line to a closed position relative to said front panel and said side panels, each of said envelopes at each end having a pair of spaced apar-t tabs including an upper tab extending outwardly from at least one of said panels proxiymate said upper fold line and a lower tab .extending outwardly from at least one of said panelsproximate the lower edge of said envelope, at least a portion of one of said tabs in each said pair -being slit from an associated one of said side panels and extending outwardly beyond an associated side fold line, and a pair of spaced carrier strips, each of said strips attached to the tabs at an associated end of each of said envelopes and retaining said envelopes in connected longitudinal series relation.

2. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said strips comprises a pair of parallel tapes joined each to the other in face-to-face relation, said tabs being disposed between said tapes.

3. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of each said upper tab extends from said sealing panel and said upper tabs cooperate with said lower tabs and said strips to retain said sealing panel in said closed position.

4. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said envelopes includes a bottom panel connected to said front panel and folded inwardly along a bottom fold line, each of said side panels having upper and lower slits therethrough respectively separating said upper and lower tabs therefrom, said upper and lower tabs in each said pair extending outwardly from a respectively associated side fold line. Y

5. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein marginal portions of said bottom panel and said sealing panel in its closed position overlie associated portions of said side panels to form an envelope having a substantially imperforate rear surface.

l6. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein end portions of said sealing panel extend outwardly lbeyond said side fold lines to form additional portions of said upper tabs connected to the other portions of said upper tabs along said upper fold line and end portions of said bottom panel extend outwardly beyond said side fold lines to form additional portions of said lower tabs connected to the other portions of said lower tabs along said lower fold line.

7. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said sealing and bottom panels have cuts therethrough extending outwardly respectively from said upper and lower fold lines, each of said c-uts separating one of said additional portions from an associated one of the latter said panels, said upper and lower tabs being solely connected to said front panel.

8. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said additional portions are folded into overlying engagement with said other portions, each of said carrier strips being attached to at least one porportion of each of said tabs.

9. A continuous form envelope as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said carrier strips has a longitudinally extending and longitudinally spaced series of feed apertures therethrough.

10. A continuous form envelope assembly as set forth in claim 1 including lines of weakening on each of said tabs generally coincident with an associated side fold line to enable said envelopes to be readily separated therealong from said tabs and said carrier strips.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Primary Examiner UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TFCATE @F CRRJCTN Patent No. 3 1 494 537 .Dated February l0 1970 InventorCx) Wilfred H. Gendron identified patent It is certified that error appears in the above- Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

and that said Letters "connected" should read Col. 3, line 18, -connection-..

' Col. 5, line 16, "porportion" should read SIGNED -ND SEALED JUN 2 3 1970 ef'ifm-w Attest:

WILLIAM E-"SGHUYIM, n. Gomissione'r crt Pam! 

